[Uvic-sustainability] News and Events for week of April 22nd

Details: Published on Tuesday, 22 April 2014 14:00; Written by editor

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Thinking about how you could do more to reduce your carbon footprint? UVic’s Gustavson’s School of Business has created a wonderful Low-Carbon Culture Helplist to guide how we can all conserve energy and reduce waste in the workplace and at home.

NEWS

Tom Pederson of UVic-led Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions is quoted in various media stories regarding the content of documents obtained by the Canadian Press that show how staff inside the BC Ministry of the Environment have warned the environment minister about the potentially huge increases in greenhouse gas emissions from the LNG fracking process. The biggest concern is the often under-reported amount of methane, a gas 21 times more deadly to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, that is released during the... fracking process, on top of the emissions from combustion and flaring of natural gas. See CBC website.

BC’s coast is about to become the “smartest” on the planet thanks to a partnership between UVic’s Ocean Networks Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada and IBM. The three will work together on a 3-year, multimillion dollar project known as Smart Oceans BC to develop and install a series of small-scale underwater observatories and high frequency radar along the coast. See UVic media release and Vancouver Sun.

Cyclists who frequent the streets of Victoria should consider completing the City Of Victoria’s online survey regarding its Bicycle Master Plan update.

Are you a student looking for a cool green job this summer? Here are some recent opportunities: The UVic Sustainability Project is hiring a UVision Campaign Officer; and Lifecycles is hiring a Community Food Security Facilitator, Community Engagement Facilitator and a Harvest Coordinator.

If you are a grad student looking for a unique field school experience consider Coast Studies at Hakai, Time and Place (May 19-31).

EVENTS

EARTH DAY FOR AN OIL FREE COAST
Apr 22nd, 6 to 9 PM, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
Sierra Club of BC and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation host presentations by Robert Bateman and Chief Vern Jacks. Entrance by donation. See Facebook for more info.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE CATALYST: DAY OF LEARNING
Apr 23rd, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Royal Roads University Centre for Dialogue
Workshop for non-profits and entrepreneurs interested in learning more about creating a social enterprise. $50, lunch included. Find out more and register at www.secatalyst.ca.

CAMPUS VIEW ELEMENTARY EARTHFEST 2014
Apr 24th, 3:30 to 6 PM, Campus View Elementary, 3900 Gordon Head Road
Earth Day celebrations led by grade 4 and 5 students, with staff, parents, First Nations and neighbours, but everyone is welcome to attend. Event includes a bike rally (3 - 3:30) from the school to UVic First Peoples House and back, and MP Elizabeth May and MLA Andrew Weaver. Contact Anita at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info.

WADE DAVIS: SACRED HEADWATERS
Apr 24th, 7 PM, Alix Goolden Hall
Green Party MP Elizabeth May hosts public lecture by acclaimed author and speaker Wade Davis on the protection of the Sacred Headwaters in Northern BC. Tickets $15. See Facebook for more info.

RESILIENT REGION BREAKFAST GATHERING

April 25th, 8 – 9:30 AM, Cedar Hill Golf Course

CRD hosts a quarterly community breakfast for business leaders, politicians, activists, students, bureaucrats and academics interested in exchanging ideas on how to build a resilient, healthy, and green capital region. See Meet Up for more info.

CREATIVELY UNITED FOR THE PLANET
Apr 25th and 26th, St. Ann's Academy, 835 Humboldt St, Victoria
Third annual arts and sustainability festival to celebrate Earth Day. Music, art, talks, food, good discussions featuring Elizabeth May, Robert Bateman, Nick Bantok, Murray Rankin, Daniel Lapp and many more. Earth Day walk and parade starts at noon on Saturday at Centennial Square and finishes at the festival site at St. Ann's Academy. See website for more info. Volunteers needed too!

Rita Fromholt

Sustainability Coordinator

Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability

University of Victoria

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